Hydrodynamic brake mechanism



April 5, 1938. R. G. DE LA MATER HYIDRODYNAMIC BRAKE MECHANISM Filed Feb. l0,` 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet l ze 5055er 62E/warf@ .April 5, 1938. R. G. DE LA MATER 2,113,109

HYDRODYNAMIC BRAKE MECHANISM Filed Feb. l0, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet v2 April 5, 1938. R. G. DE I 'A MATER HYDRODYNAMIC BRAKE MECHANISM Filed Feb. l0, 1936 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 a@ mW/ .o

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April 5, 1938.- R. G. DE LA MATER 2,113,109

HYDRODYNAMIC vBRAKE MEQHANISM Filed Feb. 1o, 1936 4 sheets-sheet 4 SMQ/MM Po 55er 65E/AM Patented Apr. 5, 1938 UNITED sTArEs PATENT OFFICE i maonrnamc BRAKE MEcnANIsM Robert Grimn De la Mater; Parkersburg, w. va,

assignor to The Parkersburg Rig & Reel Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia W. 'Va., a corporation of Application February 1o, iassrsemi No. 63,240

sa claims. (ci. lss-9o) the rotor so as to exert a retarding force thereagainst. 'I'he prior structures referredto may be generally employed where the use of abrake of this character is desired, although they were particularly designed for use in connection with oil well drilling apparatus, in which use they are highly eiiicient.

In my copending application Serial No. 61,231,

` led January 28, 1936, I have disclosed a highly perfected type of hydrodynamic brake which possesses a high degree of flexibility of control, thus adapting it for a wide variety of uses, such as braking means for heavy trucks, buses, etc. In such use, the brake structure shown in my .co-

o pending application referred to is highly efilcient as means for limiting the speed of a vehicle when In the structure of my copending application` referred to, several means are disclosed for providing the desirable flexibility of operation. For

control valves for governing the admission of braking liquid into the brake casing and into the .fluid pockets, control valves for governing the discharging of uid from the stator pockets to the brake casing, means for evacuating the brake s'ructure when no braking action is desired, etc. -An important object of the present invention is to provide a brake structure adapted for the same general uses as the structure of the copending applica'ion referred to, but wherein a substantially different means is employed for varying the braking action.

A further object is to provide a novel brake structure of the character referred to wherein 59 the braking action is controlled by Aincreasing or decreasing the rate of discharge oithe liquid radially outwardly between the rotor and stator elements.

A further object is to provide a brake of the 5 character referred to wherein the braking action example, the apparatus embodies such features as is governed by varyingthe space between the rotor and stator.

A further object is to provide novel means for eiiecting relative axial movement between the' rotor and stator to thus determine the amountl of effective fluid within the brakewhereby the braking action may be varied as desired.v

A further object is to provide control means of f the character referred to embodied in conjunction with liquid supply means wherebythe supplyingof liquid to the brake also may be utilized for governing the braking action.

' IA rurther object is to provide governing means for the braking action in conjunction with means for venting the brake casing to theatmosphere to facilitate the complete evacuationof the casing when it is desired to render the brake completely inoperative. A further object is to provide novel governing means of the character referred .to in combination ,with novel means for governing the-admission elements.

Other objects and advantages ofthe invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

Y of liquid into the pockets of the rotor and stator .K

f In the drawings I have shown several embodl- I ments of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a sectional View .through the brake mechanism taken transversely of the axis thereof substantially on line I--I of Figure 3, parts being shown in elevation and parts being broken away,

Figure 2 isa section taken substantially as indicated by the line 2-2- of Figure 1, showing a development of the stator and rotor pockets'wit respect to each other,l p

Figure 3 is a sectionon line 3 3 of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a similar view on line 4-4 of Flgure 1,

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentaryl sectional view of the upper portion of the brake taken substantially centrally of the width thereof on a plane at right angles to the axis of the brake,

Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to Flgure 2 taken as indicated substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 1, y l

Figure 7 is a detail sectional view of the vent valve and associated parts,

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the upper portion of Figure showing a modifled form of the invention,

-Figure 9 is a detail sectional view'taken substantially as indicated by the line 9,-9 of Figlili ure 8 showing( two of the inlet ciated elements,

Figure 10 is a similar viewshowing a slightly valves and assomodified arrangement of the inlet valves.

l Figure 11 is a fragmentary elevation showing a modified form of rotor and stator'` pockets,

- Figure ,12'is a similarview showing a further modification of the same,

Figure 13 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2,

showing a modiiied formv of rotor and stator -for 'providing a braking action upon rotation ofthe rotor in either direction, and, y

Figure 14 is 'a diagrammatic view illustratins the circulating system for thebrake.

vReferring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the numeral I3 designates the brake casing as a whole, com- Aprising a generally cylindrical` center'section II and end sections I2 .and I3. center section II' is shown as being, provided with horizontally extending arms I4 bolted asat I I to supporting frames I3, rubber or similar cushioning elements I1 preferably being interposed between the ends of the arms I4 and the supporting frame members. These frame members are the side memingpart of the vehicle, or may be connected to' any rotating part of any apparatus in ,connection with which the braking action is desired. A rotor 201s keyed as at 2l .to the shaft I9 and is concentric therewith. However, the shaft I9 preferably has its axis arranged slightly above the axis of the casing, and accordingly the rotor 20 is' slightly eccentric with respect to the casing.

Accordingly the clearance between the rotor and the casing section II is greater at the bottom of the brake than at the top thereof, and this arrangement facilitates the .pumping action of the rotor and the evacuation of the brake, and will lbe referred to later. A

'I'he periphery ofl the rotor is 'provided with pockets 22 formed as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, to generate a pumping action tending to move liquid in the casing toward the top thereof to be discharged through an opening 23. This action maintains a circulation of liquid through the brake when .the latter is in operation and eects the' evacuation of the brake when the`latter is rendered. inoperative by the control means to be described. 'I'he outlet passage 23 is connected to a pipe 24 as shown in Figure 14. The rotor 20 is provided with a center wall 29 and 'opposite faces of the rotor are provided with pockets 26 divided by walls or vanes 21, as shown in Figures 2 and 6. These pockets directly communicate with similar Apockets 28 formed in the inner faces of stator members 29. The stator members are mounted for rotation and .axial movement with respect to the rotor by means of relatively heavy threads 30 formed respectively in the periphery of -the stator members and within opposite ends of the center casing section II. a

The adjacent faces of the rotor and stator -members are arranged as close together as is practicable, andthe 4movement of the 'stator -members axially toward the rotbr is limited by shoulders 3| 'formed in the casing section II.

' When the stators are in :engagement ,with the shoulders', the spaces between the rotor and stator.

-elements are arranged the minimum distance apart. and this distance may be increased by imparting rotational movementto the stator eletweenthe rotor and the casing II constitutes a chamber receiving yiluid passing radially outwardly between .the rotor and stator members.

ments, as will become apparet. The space be- The coacting liquid pockets 23r and 28 incline away from the center of the rotor in the direcvtion of rotation of the latter as indicated in Figures 2 and 6.. Thevanes dividing the pockets can extend'substantially radially as indicated in Figures 1 and 5. 'I'he latter arrangement, however,may be modified in a manner tobe referred 1 to later..

` Each oi' the casing sections I2 and I3 is pro-I yvided with an inwardly extending annular flange 32 forming a supporting -bearing for' the adjacent stator member, these bearings permitting axial movement of each of the stator members away from the rotor in a mannercto be described. Each of the end 'casing sectionsis providedwith suitable' packing 33 to eliminate leakage of the braking liquid along the shaft I9. Each pack ing is retained by a gland 34 which is engageable by a retaining ring 33 carrying anti-friction bearings-36, as shown in Figures 3`and 4. The retaining rings 35 are secured to the yrespective casing sections by suitable bolts 31. The packing elements 33 and bearings 36 may besupplied with lubricant through suitable passages 38 and 39 respectively.

Each casing section I2 and I3 is provided with a fluid space 40, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and each of these spaces is annular, as will be apparent. At one point in its periphery, the casing section II is provided with means for introducing braking liquid into the spaces or passages 43. Referring 'to Figures 4 and 5. the numeral 4I designates a valve housing secured to the casing section II and connected to'a uid supply pipe 42 through which braking liquid is supplied to the spaces 4II. The pipes 24 and 42 lead to a heat exchanger 43 (Figure 14) which preferably also is employed as a reservoir for the circulating liquid.l Hydrodynamic brakes develop a sub- 4I projects into anopening 45 in the casing section II and terminates in-ar valve seat 46.t This seat is engageable bya,l valve 41 carried by a guide 48 operable in .the housing 4I. Th valve 41 controls the admission of liquidK into a transverse passage 49 communicating with the liquid spaces 40. Each of the. stator elements is provided with a plurality of inlet tubes 5I), preferably formed integral therewith, and adapted to permit the flow of liquid from the-spaces or passages 40 into the rotor and stator pockets, the flow of liquid being induced by' operation of the rotor, as will become apparent. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the

thereof witha bearing boss 6I rotatably supporting a control shaft 52, and this shaft may berotated by any suitable means (not shown), extending to a convenient point of operation, such as a point adjacent the drivers seat `when the brake is `used on a motor vehicle. The endcf` the shaft 52 to which theoperating means is connected extends through the casing section I2 and the latter is providedwith a suitable stumng box 53to prevent leakage of. liquid around thev shaft.

A pairof pinions 54 is keyed or otherwise secured to'the shaft 52. Each of these pinions meshes with the teeth of a segment gear 55 formed in the periphery of one of the stator elements. These segment gears are arranged axially outwardly of the threads andare relatively longer than the teeth of the pinions to permit axial movement of the stator elements upon rotation of the shaft 52.

I i; will beapparent that rotation of the shaft l' 52 transmits rotational movement to the'stator4 elements and that these elements partake of axial movement due to their threaded connection with the casing. This axial movement determines the escape of liquid from the rotor and stator pockets 'and is utilized for governing the admission of liquid into the casing. Referring to Figure 4, the numeral 56 designates a relatively stiff leaf spring having one end pivotally connected as at 51 to va boss y58 formed integral with the casing section i3. 'Ihe spring 56 is bent intermediate its ends as atV 56 and has its free end 60 engageable with the valve 41 to close the latter when the stator section I3.

adjacent the spring' 56 the rotor.

The closing of the valve 41 and the axial movement of the stator elements away from each other evacuate the brake and render it inoperative, and valve means is provided for preventing the creation of a partial vacuum within the brake, tending to prevent the complete evacuation thereof. Referring to Figures .3 and '7, the numeral 6i designates a valve housing which may be threaded in a suitable opening in the casing Il'fhe valve casing 6I slidably carries a valve stem 62 therein. The inner end of the valve casing 6i serves as a guide for the inner moves axially away from end Aci the valve stem 62, and the outer end of i the latter is slidable in a plug 63 vented to the atmosphere as at 64. The stem 62 carries a valve 65 urged longitudinally inwardly by a spring 65 and engageable with a seat 66, and when the valve is open, the interior of the valve housing communicates with the interior of the casingk through a port 61. 'I'he inner end of the s tem aliases 'ina '6l pmietins .therefromzand linlet openings. 1 The outer: gend 'ing 68 is openfand 'slidably recei ves havinga Spriil.'|l urging; it outwardly int'o' -en-`A gagement with annular-jringf'i2:preferably. f formed integral with `vthejeaisiniz section ,iai fine' Y valves 10 and associated parts'maybe identicalv l provided wana preferirei with each other'as indicated-m:9-5-1.'n www.

case they will` b'e simultaneously l'opened' and the stator'elements'.V .l

l'The form" vof the. invention shown in Figure l0 is` identicalwith thatshown'lin 'Figure 9 except that the valves 16' are made slightlydierent from each other. `The s ame results may be obtainedfby-vary'ing the ports 69 in the valve housing 68. The valves 1li may be of slightly varying lengths so 1j that the valves progressively reach the entirely closed positions instead of being simultaneously'oper'ated at the same rate as in the form of the. invention shown in Figures 8 and 9.

In theforms ofthe invention previously described, the pockets in the rotor and stator -aresubstantially radial. A somewhat modified form of the invention is illustrated in Figure 1l, which may be either the rotor or the stator. In .this case the pockets 13 are formed between vanes 14 which are curved from end te end. The outer ends of the vanes14 curve backward with respect 'to the direction of rotation, and 'this construction increases the velocity of the'braking liquid, as will become apparent, thus increasing the maximum braking capacity.A

In Figure l2 a 4further modification is illustrated which is applicable to both the rotor and stator, wherein pockets 15 are formed between vanes 164 which are straight and are inclined radially outwardly opposite to the direction of rotation. This construction also increases thev The form of vides separating walls 19 between the pockets having oppositely inclined faces 80, the width of each pocket increasing toward the center of the rotor. When the rotor is rotating in a direction corresponding to movement of the rotor to the. t

left as lviewed in Figure 13, the right hand faces of the pockets 18 transmit movement to the braking liquid to generate necessary liquid velocity for the braking action. When the rotor rotates in the opposite direction, the left hand faces 80 of the rotor pockets perform the same function. v

Thel stators 8| in Figure 13 are similarly coni structed, the pockets 82 thereof being separated by walls 83 having oppositely inclined faces 84 to respectively act on the braking liquid de pendent upon the direction of rotation of the rotor. Each wall 83, or certain of these walls, 'may be provided with liquid inlet passages 85 corresponding rto the tubes 50 previously described, except that the passages 85 are arranged in planes radial with respect to the axis of rotation, The passages 85, however, slope toward Y 1o` closed at the same rate upon axial. movement of their inner ends radially outwardly with respect to`the agis of the brake, and accordingly the rotor is operative for inducingv a flow of liquid through these passages. I y

` The operation of the f ormxof the invention "shown in Figures l to 'I inclusive is as follows:l

. to. 'I'he flexibility of control of the present convrotation of the vehicle wheels. i

struction renders it particularly adapted vfor use on heavy motor vehicles such`as trucks and i buses. It is proposed, of course, that vehicles retain the present types of friction brakes for bringing the vehicles to a complete stop, the present apparatus being adapted only for re-4 tarding the movement of the vehicle or `for determining a maximum rate ofdv movement and thus materially save wear and tear on the friction brakes. For example, the present construction is particularly intended for limiting the speed of heavy vehicles when descending grades without the necessity for the driver having to constantly employ the conventional friction brakes for this purpose. In descending long grades, as in-hilly and mountainous country, the friction brakes of motor vehicles are subject to rapid wear and dee struction due to the heat generated in the brakes.

The present construction requires that the friction brakes be used only when a vehicle is to be brought to a stop.

When the present invention is used in connection with motor vehicles the brake mechanism may be supported in the manner suggested in Figure 1. The shaft I9 may be coupled in the vehicle propeller shaft or may be suitably driven from any rotating part ofthe vehicle. 'Ihe mounting of the brake is such that the shaft I9, and consequently the rotor 2l, will be driven at a speed proportionate to the speed of when the brake is functioning tig/retard the vehicle speed, the parts will be inthe positions shown in Figure 4, the stator elements being at their axially inner limit of movement with the inlet valve Il in open position. 'Ihe vent valve will be closed as shown in Figure l3, and as shown in solid .lines in Figure 7.' Under such conditions the brake will be eifecting its maximum braking action. -The radially outward flow of liquid in the rotor pockets 26 induces a ow of liquid from the passages 50 into the pocketslof the rotor, and the leakage of liquid radially outwardly between the adjacent faces of the rotor Land' stator elements is ata minimum, and accordingly thermaximum amount of liquid will remain in the rotor and stator pockets to effect the maximum braking action at the particularA of the rotor and the eccentric mounting of the latter facilitates the pumping action and maintainsa constant circulation of liquid through the are stationary, and accordingly it will be apparent of the shaft I9. Any desired retarding action anaioaf brake. The heat generated by the brake is dis sipated byv means of the heat exchanger 43 through .w ch the liquid flows from the pipe 24 the nqui ug returned to the brake rthrough the pipe 42 and thenceintc the passage 40, since 5' the valve 41 is open under the conditions being considered. f y In operation, the brakeelements per se com prising the rotor 20, stators 26 and the pockets in' these elements, functionas lfully described in my 10i prior patents referred to and need not be described at substantial length herein. It will be apparent that the operation of the rotor generates centrifugal force inI the liquid ofthe pockets 26, thus creating a radial flow of this liquid to `15 theradially o uter ends of the pockets 26 from whence the'yiiuid is discharged into the radially outer portions of the pockets 26. These pockets' thatthey overcome theinertia of the liquid and react' therethrough to retard the rotational speed of the rotor.` As the liquid reaches the radially iuneriimits of the pockets 2s, the nuid is discharged int'o the corresponding ends of the pockets 26, the vanes between the latter pockets cutting tiirugii the sowing liquid It requires substantial energy to again set the liquid into rotary and `radial motion, and the action of the braking means therefore is to re tard the rotationof the rotor 2U. The degree to 30 `which the braking action takes place depends, of

course,'on the total amount of fluid in the pockets of the rotor and stator and the speed of rotation` vto the maximum the amount of fluid contained within the rotor and stator pockets. Beyond such point the braking action will increase `upon the increased speed of rotation of the shaft I 8, it being known that in a brake of 'this type the braking action increases as they square of the speed of rotation of the rotor.

The foregoing description covers generally the operation of the brakeworking at full capacity at any given rotational speed. If the braking action thus provided is excessive undera given i condition, it readily may be reduced n'ierely by rotating the shaft 62 by the operating4 means (not shown) provided for'such purpose. Rota'- tion of the shaft 52 in one direction rotates the i stator elements, which action is accompanied by the transmission of axial movement of the stator elements away from the rotor by virtue of the threaded connection between the stator members and the casing section II. It 'will be apparent that the brake operates at its highest eiliciency under any .given conditions when the rotor and stator elements are arranged in closeproximity and the braking action is reduced by moving the stator elements to increase the lspace' between these elements and therotor.

The operation referred to increases thefflow 'of liquid radially outwardly between the adjacent faces olfI the rotor and the stators, thus in-` creasing the liquid discharge from the brake' through the opening 23 'and' pipe 24' by the pumping action of the rotor. Further rotational movement may be imparted to the stators to effect further axial movement thereof away fromv the 70 rotor, and under such conditions the spring 56 4(Figuren) will be engaged by the adjacent stator member to progressively close the valve 41 and Vthus reduce the supply of liquid to the passages 4l. Bv increasing the discharging of the liquid 75 from the brake pockets and by progressively reto. In other words, rotation of the shaft 52 may l be'continued until the stator members have been moved the maximum distance from the rotor. IAt such time, the discharging of liquid from thebrake pockets will take place at a maximum rate. During the operation referred to the spring 56 will be further actuated by the adjacent stator to completely close the valve 41 and thus vprevent the entrance of any liquid into the brake. 'The apparatus is so constructed that the valve 41 will reach closed position shortly before the'stators have been moved the maximum distance away from the rotor so that the last increment of movement of the stator member adjacent the spring 56 will place the latter under substantial tension to maintain the valve 41 tightly against its seat and insure the cutting 0E of the liquid supply.

'Ihe brake is thus rendered inoperative by cutting off the liquid supply and by so positioningk the parts that the pumping action of the rotor will completely evacuate the rotor and stator pockets. In order to prevent the possibility of trapping liquid within the brake due to the creation of a partial vacuum therein incident to the evacuation of the brake, the vent valve 65 is provided. At the point where the inlet valve 41 reaches closed position', the adjacent stator member contacts with the inner end of the valve stem 62, and slight further movement of this stator member unseats the valve 65 and thus vents the casing to the atmosphere. inoperative, therefore, atmospheric pressure is present in the brake and the creation of a partial vacuum therein is prevented. In most installations this valve is wholly unnecessary; and is provided solely as means for positively insuring the complete evacuation of the rotor and stator pockets.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that any desired braking action may be obtained, up to a maximum point for any given rotational speed, in which latter case the rotor and stator pockets will contain the maximum amount of braking liquid. Moreover, the brake may be rendered completely inoperative by closing the liquid supply-and completely evacuating the rotor and stator pockets. Under all conditions, when the brake is operated, the rotor acts as apump to circulate liquid through the brake.l The peripheral pockets 22 assist in causing the liquid passing outwardly betweenthe adjacent faces of the rotor and the stators to rotate at the same speed as the rotor, thus creating centrifugal force in the liquid to discharge it through the opening 23. The pumping action of the rotor and its pockets is increased by the eccentric mounting of .the rotor, the space between the rotor and the casing Il decreasing toward the outlet opening 23 to tend to place the liquid under pressure to assist in discharging it. -The same pumping means operates to evacuate the brake when the latter is rendered inoperative in the manner previously described.

The operation of the form of the invention When the brake is- 5 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is identical with that previously describedwith theexception of Athe controlling of the admission of liquid from the passages 40.into the rotor and stator pockets. As the stator elements move inwardly to decrease the space between the adjacent faces of the rotor and stator members and thus increase the brak. ing action, the ports Glare progressively opened by the valve 10 to permit a progressively increasing rate of flow of liquid into the pockets. Conversely, vwhen the brake action is reduced by moving the stator elements axially away from the rotor, the ports 69 are progressively closed. As the stator elements are rotated, the outer ends of the valves 10 slide against the bearing face 12 and accordinglyl the valves themselves do not move axially.4 'I'he valve housings 68, however,

partake of movement together with the stator members, and the rate of communication through the ports 69 is thus controlled. These ports are completely closed when the brake is inoperativeand the stator members are moved the maximum distance away from the rotor.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9 the valves 10 and their housings 68 are identical in construction and arrangement of parts and accordingly they function identically. In the form of the invention shown in Figure 10, the valves 10 have been indicated as being of slightly different lengths so that one or more of the valves will first start its movement toward closed position, followed progressively by the Afremaining valves. This construction is provided merely to increase to some extent the degree of flexibility of control. The same resultv may be obtained by altering the ports 68 instead of employing valves 10 of slightly different lengths.

In Figures 11 and 12 of the drawings, modified forms of rotorl and stator pockets have-been i1- lustrated and such forms may be employed where it is desired to increase the maximum braking action. In both Figures 11 and 12, the pockets are inclined toward their outer ends backward with respect to the direction of rotation, and it has been found that such construction increases the velocity of the braking liquid for a given rotor speed, thus increasing the capacity-of the brake. f Figure 13 of the drawings illustrates an optional arrangement of rotor and stator pockets and associated elements which may be utilized for developing a braking action upon rotation of the rotorin either direction. The pockets of both the stator and rotor have inclined side walls as previously described whereby the coacting pockets are adapted to generate a liquid ow to provide a braking action regardless of the direction of rotation. In order that the flow of lfraking liquid may be induced by rotation of the rotor in either direction, the inlet passages 85 are arranged in planes passing through the axis of rotation. These passages however, are inclined radially outwardly toward their longitudinally inner ends `in order that vthe induction of liquid into the rotor. pockets may be eiected.

In each form of the invention the stator members may be removed for replacement in the event of breakage or for replacement with stators of different types. The threaded connection of the stator members with the casing section Il permits the ready removal of the stator members, as will `be apparent.

In view of the foregoing it will b apparent that the present construction provides a highly efficient braking action, thus rendering the apparatus applicable for use with heavymotor vehiclesto permit a retarding of the speed thereof without or prior to application of the conventional friction brakes. The use oi the brake is particularly advantageous in maintaining the vehicle speed below a givenmaximum when descending long grades, thus relieving the conventional friction brakes of the wear which is most destructive to them. IThe brake structure shown and described is highly ilexible in its control, and the functionings of the various control elements are subject to operation through a common operating member, namely, the shaft 52. i

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken aspreierred examples ofthe same and that various 4changes in the shape, size and arrangement oi parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting fluid pockets, means for ysupplying iiuid to said pockets, means for varying the supply of fluid to said pockets, and means for varying the discharge of fluid radially directly from said pockets.

2. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting fluid pockets, means for supplying uid to said pockets, means for varying the supply of iluid to said pockets, means for varying the discharge of ud radially directly from said pockets, and common operating means for `said last two means.

3. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting iluid pockets, means for supplying uid to said pockets, means for varying the supply o'f fluid to said pockets, and means for varying the rate oi' discharge of fluid radially directly from said pockets between said rotor and said stator.

4. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting :duid pockets, means for supplying iluid to said pockets, means for varying the supply of duid to s'aid pockets. means for varying 'the rate of discharge of uid radially directly from said pockets "between said rotor and said stator, and common operating means for said last two means.

5. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting iiuid pockets, means for supplying uid to said pockets, means for varying the supply of uid to said pockets, and means for varying' the Space between said rotor and said stator.. t,

6. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting iluid pockets, means for supplying uid to said pockets, means for varying the supply of fluid to said pockets. means for varying the space between said rotor and) said stator, and common operating means for said last two means.

'7. A' hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator member provided with` coacting fluid pockets, means for supplying iluid to said pockets, means for varying said uid supply, .and means for eiecting 'relative axial movement 'of said rotor and said stator member, whereby the supply oi' fluid to the brake may be cut oi-and said rotor and stator members may be moved relatively away from each other to quickly and substantially completely evacuate said pockets.

8.,A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a. stator member provided with coacting iluid pockets, means for variably supplying 'iiuid to said pockets, means operative -tor eiecting relative axial movement of said rotor and said stator member, and common operating means for said last two means. I

9. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator member provided with coacting uid pockets, means for supplying iiuid to said pockets, means for varying the supply of iluid to said pockets, and means for transmitting movement to said stator member to move it axially away fromsaid,` rotor, whereby the supply of uid to the brake may be cut oit and said rotor and stat-or members may move relatively-away from each other to quickly and substantially com# pletely evacuate said pockets.

10. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator member provided with coacting iluid pockets, means for supplying iiuid to said pockets, means Tor varying the supply of iluid to said pockets, means for transmitting movement .to

, said stator member to move it axially away from said rotor, and common operating means for said last two means` 11. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor member and a stator member provided with coacting fluid pockets, means having threaded connection with said stator member, and means for effecting relative rotation of said stator member and said last named means to vary the space between said rotor and stator members.

12. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor member and 'a stator member provided with coacting iluld pockets, one oi said members being axially movable on a thread with respect to the other, and means for rotating said ilrst named member.

13. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor member and a stator member provided with coacting fluid pockets, one of said members being axially movable on a thread with respect to the other, means for rotating said ilrst named member, and means for supplying iluid to said pockets.- 14. A hydrodynamic brake,comprising a rotor member and a stator member provided withcoacting uid pockets, one oi.' said members being axially movable on a thread with .respect to thev other, means for supplying uuid t said pockets,

means for'varying the fluid (supply, and means for rotating said first named member. 15.l A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor member and a stator'member provided with coacting uid pockets, one of said members being axially movable on a thread with respect to the other, means for supplying duid to said pockets,

means for varying the fluid supply, means for rotating said rst named member, and commen operating means for said last two means.

16. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casing, 4a rotor member and a stator member arranged' in4 said casing and provided with coacting uid pockets, means for supplying duid to said pockets, means for discharging iiuid from said casing, valve means for controlling the supply of iluid to said pockets, andimeans for supporting one of said .members in said casing for relative axial movement with respect to the other member, whereby the supply of fluid to the brake may be cut oil.' and said rotor and stator members may move relatively away from each other to quickly and substantially completely evacuate said pockets.

- 17. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casing, a rotor member and a stator member arranged in saidcasing and provided with coacting duid pockets. means for supplying duid tosaid pockets, means for discharging .uid from said casing, valve means for controlling the supply of iiuid to saidpockets, means for supporting one of said members in said casing for-relative axial movement'l with respect to the other member,v and common operating means for axially moving said iirst named member and for operating said valve means.

18. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a' casing, a rotor and a stator mounted in said casing and provided with coacting fluid pockets, said stator being threaded in said casing for axial movement toward and away from said-rotor, and means for rotating said stator.

19. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator mounted in said casing and provided with coacting fluid pockets, said stator being threaded in said casing for axial movement toward and away from said rotor, means for supplying fluid to said pockets, means for discharging'uid from said casing passing from said pockets between said rotor and said stator, and means for rotating said stator.

20. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a cas,- ing, a rotor and a stator mounted in said casing 'and provided with coacting uid pockets, said stator being threaded in said casing for axial movement toward and away from said rotor, means for supplying fluid to said pockets, valve means for governing the supply of fluid to said pockets, means for discharging fluid from said casing passing between said rotor and said stator, and means for rotating said stator.

21. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator mounted in said casing and provided with coacting uid pockets, said stator being threaded in said lcasing for axial movement toward and away from said rotor, means for supplying fluid to said pockets, valve means for governing the supply of uid to said pockets, means for discharging iluid from` said casing passing between said rotor and said stator, means for rotating said stator, and common operating means for said last named means and said valve means.,

22. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a c asing, a rotor and a stator mounted'in said casing and having coacting uid pockets, said stator being supported in said casing for relative axial movement with respect to said rotor, said casing having a pair of uid chambers, one communieating with said pockets to supply fluid thereto and the other communicating with said pockets to receive fluid passing radially outwardly therefrom between said rotor and said stator, andI means for effecting axial movement of said stator with respect to said rotor.

23. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator mounted in said casing and having coacting uid pockets, said stator being supportedin said casing for relative axial movement with respect to said rotor, said casing having a pair of uid chambers, one communicating with said pockets to supply iiuid thereto and the other communicating with said pockets to receive fluid passing radially outwardly therefrom between said rotor and said stator, means for governing the supply of fluid to said pockets, and means for effecting axial movement of said stator with respect to said rotor.

24. A hydrodynamic brake. comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator mounted in said casing and having coacting uid pockets, said stator being supported in said casing for relative axial movement with respect to said rotor, said casing having. a pair of fluid chambers, one communieating with saidpockets to .supply fluid thereto and the other communicating withsaid pockets to receive fluid passing radially outwardly therefrom between said rotor and said stator, means for governing the supply of iiuid to said pockets, means for eiecting axial movement of said stator with respect to said rotor, and common operating meansifor said last two means.

25. A hydrodynamic brake comprising acasing, a rotor and a stator arranged in said casing and provided with coacting fluid pockets, said stator being threaded in said casing for axial movement toward and away from said` rotor, said casing being provided with a pair of iluid chambers one communicating with sa'id pockets to supply fluid theretov and the other communicating with said pockets to 'receive fluid therefrom passing radially outwardly between said rotor .and said stator, and means for rotating said stator. y

26. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator arranged in said casing and provided with coacting iiuid pockets, said said casing being provided with a pair of fluid chambers one communicating with said pockets to supply fluid thereto and the other communicating with said pockets to receive fluid therefrom passing radially outwardly between said rotor and said stator, means for governing the supply of fluid to said pockets, and means for rotating said stator.

27. A hydrodynamicbrake comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator arranged in said casing and provided with coacting uid pockets, said stator being threaded in said casing for axial movement toward and away from said rotor, said casing being provided with a pair of uid chambers one communicating with said pockets to supply fluid Athereto and the other communicating with said pockets to receive fluid therefrom passing radially outwardly between said rotor and said stator, means for governing the' supply of fluid to said pockets, meansfor rotating said stator, and common operating means for said last two means.

28. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting iiuld pockets,

for-moving said stator axially away from said rotorand means for reducing the supply of fluid to said pockets upon axial movement of'said stator away from said rotor.

30. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting fluid pockets,-

said stator having a passage for supplying uid to said pockets, means for varying the space ybev ing, a rotor and a stator arranged in said casing- 8 passage upon axial movement of said stator away from said rotor..l

32. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a casand provided with coasting fluid pockets, said stato'r being.` threadedrin said casing for axial movement toward and away trom said rotor and provided with gear teeth, and a pinion meshing withv said gear teeth to rotate said stator.

33. A hydrodynamicv brake comprising a casing, a rotor and a stator arranged im said casing and provided with coacting fluid pockets. said stator being threaded in said casing for axial movement toward and away i'rom said rotor and provided with gear teeth, means i'orsupplying uuid to said pockets, means for discharging nuia passing from said pockts radially outwardly between said rotor and said stator, and a pinion meshing with said gear teeth to rotatesaid stator.

34. A hydrodynamic brake comprisinga casing', a rotor and a stator arranged in saidcasing and means operative upon movement of sa id\ stator' away from said rotor for reducing the' I supply of iluid to said pockets.

35. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting uid pockets, said stator'being provided with an inlet conduit .cident to the movement of the fluid in said pockinclined ,wiihvrespect m the axis of rotation o'f said rotor and terminating within one of said stator pockets to supply iluid by inductionincident to the movement of the uid in said pockets, and means for varying the discharge of iluid 5 radially irom said pockets.r`

`36. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator lprovided-with coacting fluid pockets, said stator being provided with an inlet conduit inclined with respect to the axis of rotation oi' said rotor and terminating within one of said stator pockets to supply iiuid by induction incident to the movement of the fluid in said pockets, and means for varyingthe space between said rotor and said stator. l v

37. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor and a stator provided with coacting fluid pockets, said stator being provided withan inlet conduit inclined with respect to the axis oi' rotation oi said rotor and terminating within one of said n stator pockets to supply fluid by induction incident to the movement of the iluid in said pockets,

` ard means for moving said stator member axially with respect to said rotor. i

38. A hydrodynamic brake comprising a rotor g and a stator provided with coacting fluid pockets, said rotor being provided with an inlet'conduitJ inclined with respect to the axis of rotation oi said rotor andterminating within one of said stator pockets to 'supply uid by induction ina ets, said conduit terminating substantially` in the plane of the face of said stator member adjacent said rotor, and means for varying the space between said rotor and said stator. f

RQBERT GRIFFIN DE LA 

